Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Loyola Douglas SWAN and Aileen Margurite SWAN nee CALNAN, 42 Sydney Street, Sunshine, Victoria.

In June 1943, at age 18, Bernie enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) with a ‘sense of duty’. He must have looked very young in his uniform, as when he was waiting for the train, an elderly woman muttered, ‘get home to your mother’.

After his recruit training, Bernie was selected to be trained as a radar operator and was posted to Richmond, NSW, for specialist training at the Radio Direction Finding (RDF) School. In October 1943, he was posted to South Australia to No. 7 Radar Station at Wedge Island near the entrance to Spencer Gulf. The radar station supported air force training and coastal patrols.

In March 1944, Bernie was promoted to leading aircraftman and in July his proficiency as a radar operator was rated as superior. In August, he was sent to Queensland and then posted to No. 320 Radar Station at Townsville. In January 1945, Bernie sailed with his unit to Bougainville, establishing and manning a radar station on Pururata Island, off the coast from the main base at Torokina. Bernie and his mates tracked Australian and New Zealand aircraft supporting the advance on the island.

In December 1945, four months after the war ended, Bernie arrived back in Australia. He was discharged in February 1946 and returned to his old employer, Norman Brothers Printers and Stationers. Bernie was a loyal employee and held various roles with the company for more than 40 years. He then worked for similar companies before retiring at the age of 65.

In 1953, Bernie married Maureen, and they raised 3 sons together. Maureen sadly died in mid-2024.

Bernie grew up on a farm and spent time rabbiting and shooting. He played golf and enjoyed woodwork and electronics when he retired. Bernie also enjoyed painting with watercolours and oils. Now, he listens to audiobooks and enjoys visits from his family.

Bernie credits his longevity to his good genes. His mother lived to 97 years of age.